The Story
The story of the St. John’s School and Asylum is one of resilience and community. Established by the Sisters of Charity in 1845, the school grew into a three-story brick building with classrooms, a cupola-topped wooden structure, and stone steps quarried nearby. Supported by donations, fairs, and tuition, the school thrived until disaster struck.
The Fire of 1845
On June 8, 1845, after weeks of drought in Frederick, a devastating fire consumed the school’s wooden building. Flames engulfed the cupola and the cross atop it, leaving extensive damage. While the cause remained uncertain, theories ranged from a lantern mishap to anti-Catholic sentiment in the town. Despite the community’s efforts, limited water supplies hindered firefighting, and the Sisters of Charity could not afford the repairs. They returned to their convent, and the school’s future was entrusted to the cloistered Sisters of the Visitation of Holy Mary.
The Fire of 2023
Nearly 177 years later, history repeated itself. On April 1, 2023, high winds caused power lines to ignite a fire in the very building constructed to replace the one lost in 1845. Flames spread rapidly, collapsing parts of the roof and attic. Over 100 firefighters battled the two-alarm blaze. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, but the fire delayed the building’s transformation into a hotel by more than a year.
A Testament to Perseverance
Today, this site stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal. From its origins as a school to its transformation into a modern hotel, the legacy of the St. John’s building endures—shaped by the fires of its past and looking forward to a brighter future.
